ST. LUCIE COUNTY – Start your summer off outdoors with St. Lucie County’s Environmental Resources Department’s award-winning guided nature program series. Whether you are new to the area or a long-time resident, there are many trails to enjoy and discover within 11,000 acres of protected land in the county. Join an experienced guide and embrace the natural beauty of St. Lucie County.

• Saturday, June 6 from 7 to 9:30 a.m. – National Trails Day Hike at Ancient Oaks Preserve. Participants are invited to celebrate the American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day by exploring the preserve and honoring a shared passion for the outdoors. During the walk, volunteers will help improve the trails and surrounding environment, encouraging stewardship and community involvement. The effort aims to leave the trails better than they were found and make a lasting impact on the preserve.

• Sunday, June 14 from 8 to 10 a.m. – Dog Days of Summer Hike at Steven J. Fousek Preserve. Participants are invited to take a morning walk through the preserve’s shaded woodlands while exploring the fascinating world of canines. The program will cover everything from domestic dogs to their wild relatives, including coyotes, wolves and foxes. Attendees will learn about the history of these animals and how many have adapted to living in urban ecosystems.

• Sunday, June 21 from 7 to 9 a.m.– National Seashell Day Stroll at Ocean Bay Preserve. Florida, is renowned for its beaches, and the many natural treasures which come ashore, especially seashells. Participants will explore the shoreline, wading in the sand and shallow water to discover the natural treasures that appear along the coast. Rather than removing items from this sensitive ecological site, they will practice Leave No Trace principles by documenting their discoveries through photography and video, creating lasting memories while helping preserve the environment. 10 a.m. – All About Plants Hike at Steven J. Fousek Preserve.

• Tuesday June 9, 16, 23, and 30 from 9 p.m. to midnight – Sea Turtle Nesting Watch Walks at South Hutchinson Island Beaches. Witness a sensitive and highly critical behavior – the sea turtle nesting process. Turtle watches provide a unique opportunity to learn about marine turtle conservation and behavior while under the careful supervision of trained permitted biologists.

The program includes a thorough presentation covering sea turtle biology, the nesting process and threats to sea turtles.

The Jensen Beach Community Center will be the meeting point for this program and once a suitable nest is observed, the group will relocate to a new location on the beach to watch the turtle lay her eggs for the remainder of the program.

There is NO GUARANTEE that a nesting female will be encountered each night. If a turtle has not been spotted by 11 p.m., the program will end.

Limited availability permitted for these free events. Review the requirements online before signing up to ensure enjoyment of the event. Reserve your spot soon because these events fill up fast.

Visit www.SLChikes.org for more information and to register. For questions call 772-462-2536 or email slchikes@stlucieco.org. Nature hikes are free; however, reservations are required and space is limited. The guided nature program season now runs from September through June. There are various topics, locations and distances designed for different ages and abilities.

Purchased through a voter-approved bond referendum, St. Lucie County manages more than two dozen preserves that are open to the public for passive recreation. For more information about St. Lucie County’s Environmentally Significant Lands visit: www.stluciepreserves.com.